News Release
NPS / Adeline Mulder
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Contact: Christopher M. Amidon, (906) 482-0984
HOUGHTON, MICH. – Isle Royale National Park will expand its Artist-in-Residence programs in coordination with America250 celebrations for summer 2026. The three programs offered will include:
- Established Artist-in-Residence Program (started 1991)
- Teen Artist Exploration (started 2016)
- Emerging Artist Experience (new for 2026)
The Established Artist-in-Residence Program offers established writers, composers, and visual and performing artists the opportunity to become part of a tradition of interpreting national parks through art during a 2 - 3 week residency. For more information visit www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/artist-in-residence-program-overview.htm.
The Teen Artist Exploration is geared for aspiring teen artists who want to develop their art through experiencing wilderness. It is open to all visual and performing artists, writers, and composers ages 13 to 18 at time of summer participation. A mentor will provide coaching during the artistic and wilderness exploration. Teen artists must be available for set program dates of July 24 – 29, 2026. For more information visit www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/teen-artist.htm.
Emerging Artist Experience: New for America250 Celebrations in 2026
The Emerging Artist Experience is a one-week, shared camping immersion for early-career artists who have begun to develop a focused creative practice but are not yet able to compete for the Established Artist-In-Residence opportunity. Mentors guide a selected cohort in artistic skills and professional development while exploring Isle Royale. Artists must be available for the set program dates of July 14 – 22. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/emerging-artist-experience.htm
Program Sponsors
Artist-in-Residence Programs are co-sponsored by Isle Royale National Park, Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association, and the Copper Country Community Arts Council.
How to Apply
Visit each program’s website for specific application requirements. To be considered, all application components must be digitally received by 11:59 pm ET on February 16, 2026. Entries received after February 16 will not be considered. Notification to all applicants will be made by May 1, 2026.
Image Credit: Caretaker, Adeline Mulder, 2024 Teen Artist, Colored Pencil & Acrylic, 18" W x 24" H
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for the 430+ parks in the National Park System and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, X https://x.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/national park service.
Last updated: December 13, 2025